It's a beauty pageant, but without the cattiness you might see on shows like "Toddlers and Tiaras."

In fact, organizers and competitors in the "My Black is Beautiful" pageant go out of their way to help each other succeed, finding evening wear for contestants who may not be able to afford it and teaching lessons about confidence and respect.

"We try to make it so that the kids know who they are, being proud of who they are as African American girls," says Sylvia Russell, the pageant's director and creator.